Chapter 7 - THE SNAKE ARRIVES|
At 10:00 a.m., the private elevator doors opened, and Arthur Velez stepped into my home office.
He was fifty-one, impeccably dressed in a navy Italian suit, carrying a sleek leather briefcase. His silver hair was combed back perfectly, and his face wore the confident, reassuring expression of a man who had solved every legal crisis I had ever faced.
"Roman," Arthur greeted warmly, walking across the room to shake my hand. "You look tired, my friend. The dock negotiations taking a toll?"
"Just the usual pressure, Arthur," I said, leaning back in my leather chair, letting my hands rest loosely on the desk. "You know how it is when rivals try to take what belongs to you."
Arthur chuckled, settling into the armchair opposite me. "Well, that's why you have me. To make sure your empire stays legally untouchable."
He opened his briefcase and pulled out a thick blue folder.
"Speaking of protection," Arthur continued smoothly, sliding the folder across my mahogany desk. "I’ve finalized the updated estate and guardianship documentation we discussed last month."
I looked at the folder. The top page was titled: AMENDMENT TO TESTAMENTARY TRUST & GUARDIANSHIP DESIGNATION.
"Remind me of the key changes," I said, keeping my voice entirely devoid of emotion.
"It's standard asset protection," Arthur lied without blinking an eye. "Given the volatile nature of your shipping business and the recent threats from the Sloane syndicate, this document ensures that if anything... unexpected... should happen to you, full management of the Moretti trust transfers to Camille."
He handed me an expensive Montblanc fountain pen.
"It keeps the courts out of your business, Roman. It keeps the children safe from public custody battles. It’s what Isabella would have wanted."
Hearing him speak my dead wife’s name to validate his murder plot made my blood boil, but I forced my expression to remain entirely blank.
I took the pen. I uncapped it. I held it right above the signature line.
"You've always looked out for my family, Arthur," I said softly.
"Always, Roman," Arthur replied, his eyes fixated on the tip of the pen. "You’re like a brother to me."
May you like
I lowered the pen—and set it down gently on the desk.
"I'll sign it tonight," I said. "At the engagement dinner."
